The newly-formed Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Investment and Development Authority (RAK TIDA), has announced a new tourism strategy which aims to double visitor numbers to the emirate in the next two years.
Victor Louis, chief operating officer, RAK TIDA, which was established just five month ago - said the government of Ras al Khaimah had earmarked US $163.4 million (AED 600 million) for investment into tourism development projects between now and 2012, and had a target to boost tourism numbers from 600,00 visitors in 2010, to 1.2 million by 2013.
"The importance of tourism for the future social, economic and environmental development and preservation of Ras Al Khaimah cannot be underestimated," said Louis.
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"While there is much work still to do and goals to be accomplished, it is pleasing that a great amount of ground work has already been achieved within our first five months, forming a solid foundation from which to move forward."
The new tourism strategy involves development of new hotels, resorts and villas, which will result in a total inventory of 10,000 hotel rooms in RAK by the year 2016.
RAK TIDA also plans to participate with its own booth at a number of international travel shows including Leisure Moscow; the World Travel Market in London; ITB Berlin in March 2012 and Arabian Travel Market in May 2012.
A new logo and branding for RAK TIDA and revitalised website is also soon to be unveiled.
A number of major tourism development projects are currently underway in RAK. In May this year the Government of Ras Al Khaimah signed an agreement with Rakeen Development, completing the acquisition of the Banyan Tree Al Wadi, where the Authority is currently overlooking the master plan for the resort's expansion and upgrade. Additionally the 600-room Marjan Island family resort being developed on five man-made islands off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah is scheduled to open by October 2012.
Plans are also in the pipeline for a series of mountain resorts, located 900 meters above sea level which are currently under development.
Other scheduled openings in Ras Al Khaimah include the Ras Al Khaimah Waldorf Astoria, in October 2012 and the Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort, scheduled to open as a Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded property in 2013; as well as a
'Pearl Farm and Pearl Museum' early next year. This new attraction will be the first of its kind in the Gulf region and will offer visitors an opportunity to experience first-hand the processes of natural pearl production.
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